Hernandez was a longtime Miami Lakes resident and former Veterans Committee chairman. He commanded the Navy’s Third Fleet. After receiving a Navy ROTC scholarship, he went into Navy flight training.

His military career spanned from 1955 to 1991. He led 147 combat missions in Vietnam and, in 1966, led the first strike conducted against two surfaceto- air missile sites in North Vietnam.

Hernandez was shot down twice in the span of five months and earned the Silver Star, Purple Heart and Distinguished Flying Cross.

After a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease, he passed last year at the age of 83. For more information on the Veterans Committee, visit www.miamilakes-fl.gov/vc, or contact Town Liaison Nathalie Garcia at 305-364-6100, ext. 1166.